Tag: mechanical hazard

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Mechanical Hazards: Pinch Points

Chain Sprocket

(Source: Penn State Ag Safety and Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Pinch points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68327/mechanical-hazards:-pinch-points.

 

A pinch point is an area where two or more rotating parts move together with at least one part moving in a circle. These rotating parts may move at high rates of speed, making it difficult for an individual to pull free once caught. Injuries can occur when a person touches a belt or chain, tries to clear debris from drive wheels, or falls into or brushes against a belt or pinch point, or when loose clothing becomes entangled, drawing fingers, hands, and feet into a pinch point.

Examples of pinch points on farms and ranches include the following:

  • Chain drives
  • Feed rollers
  • Gears
  • Sprockets
  • Belt drives
  • Pulley drives
  • Conveyors

Potential Injuries

The types of injuries that can be sustained when working around pinch points include the following:

  • Amputations
  • Lacerations
  • Contusions
  • Crushing of tissues or bones
  • Broken bones

Safety Precautions

Listed below are ways that you can reduce your risk of a pinch point incident:

  • Identify machines that might have pinch points.
  • Make sure all shields are securely in place to cover pinch point areas. Replace heavily worn or broken shields.
  • Watch your footing and move slowly around pinch point areas. 
  • Wear clothing that fits well because close-fitting clothing is less likely to be pulled into moving parts.
  • Remove any jewelry, tie or secure long hair under a hat, and remove drawstrings on hoods or jackets when working around pinch point areas.
  • Turn off the machine and wait for any rotating parts to come to a complete stop before beginning any type of maintenance.
  • If a shield is removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place prior to operating the equipment.
  • Place and maintain warning labels near pinch point hazards.

Resources

Click here to view a video about pinch point hazards from the Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

 

Mechanical hazards: Pinch points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68327/mechanical-hazards:-pinch-points.

 

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016). The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), 2008. ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://elibrary.asabe.org.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Safety note #22: Pinch point hazards. (2004) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1413.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Ron C. Jester, University of Delaware (Has since retired)
Gail Lapierre, University of Vermont (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Mechanical Hazards: Shear or Cutting Points

Guarded Auger

Guarded Auger. Photo Source: Penn State Ag Safety & Health

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Shear or cutting points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68264/mechanical-hazards:-shear-or-cutting-points. 

 

A shear point hazard exists when the edges of two machine parts move across each other or move closely enough together to cut another object or move a relatively soft material. In a typical shear point hazard, one part moves while the other part is either stationary or moving. Cutting points occur when a single object moves forcefully or rapidly enough to cut another object.

Examples of shear or cutting points include the following:

  • Hedge trimmers
  • Windrow cutter bars
  • Grain augers
  • Sickle bar mowers 
  • Forage harvester cutter heads 
  • Rotary mower blades

Potential Injuries

Potential injuries from shear or cutting point hazards include amputation, lacerations, contusions, crushing of tissue, and broken bones. Due to the speed of mechanical parts, injury is inevitable when a body part comes in contact with a shear or cutting point. Projectile injuries can occur if an object is thrown from a cutting-type machine such as a rotary mower.

Shear and Cutting Point Safety Precautions

Follow the precautions below to reduce the risk of a shear point incident:

  • Identify those types of machines that may have shear or cutting points.
  • Make sure all covers and protective shields are in place on machinery and equipment. Replace heavily worn or broken shields.
  • Wear clothing that fits well because close-fitting clothing is less likely to be pulled into moving parts.
  • Remove any jewelry, tie or secure long hair under a hat, and remove drawstrings on hoods or jackets when working around shear point hazards.
  • Turn off machines and wait for any rotating parts to come to a complete stop before beginning any type of maintenance.
  • If a shield is removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place again prior to operating the equipment.
  • Replace damaged manufacturer-installed warning labels and place warning labels on unlabeled areas.
  • Never reach across a shear or cutting point hazard.

Resources:

Click here to view a video about shear point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

Click here to use the Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management—Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT) to determine the protection level of your auger.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Shear or cutting points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68264/mechanical-hazards:-shear-or-cutting-points.

 

Sources:

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). (2008) ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://elibrary.asabe.org.

Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management—Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT). (2010) Pennsylvania State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-agriculture-rural-management-hazard-analy….

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Ron C. Jester, University of Delaware (Has since retired)
Gail Lapierre, University of Vermont (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

 

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What is a pull-in point and why is it dangerous?

Some farm machines, such as combines and feed rollers, have rotating parts. Where these parts are close together, they form pull-in points, or points that can catch and quickly draw fabric, body parts, or other items into contact with machinery. Pull-in point hazards are commonly associated with crops being fed into machinery. A pull-in point incident can be very serious because a person can sustain injuries such as amputation, crushed tissue, and broken bones—these incidents can even be fatal.

Avoid a pull-in point incident by always shutting off the tractor or other power source before clearing any plug or jam from equipment or completing any repairs.

To learn more about pull-in points, click here to link to the article “Mechanical Hazards: Pull-in Points.”

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What is a crush point?

A crush point exists at the point where two objects meet. The objects can be moving toward each other, or one object can be moving toward a stationary object. Crush points are hazardous because the objects coming together can easily crush body parts. The most common example of a crush-point hazard is the attachment to the drawbar of a tractor. Other examples of crush point hazards include three-point hitches and components moved by hydraulic cylinders.

Click here to view the article “Mechanical Hazards: Crush Points” for detailed information about crush point hazards.

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Mechanical Hazards: Wrap Points

Wrap Point Hazard. Source: University of Minnesota

(Wrap Point. Source: University of Minnesota)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Wrap point. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66373/mechanical-hazards:-wrap-points.

 

Any type of exposed rotating machine component can pose a wrap point or entanglement point hazard. Almost all field and stationary machines on a farm or ranch have one or more rotating parts, many of which present wrap point hazards. Examples of wrap points include power take-off (PTO) and secondary shafts on any machine, post-hole diggers, augers, and tines or blades on manure spreaders.

One of the most common wrap point hazards is the PTO unit, which rotates at a speed of at least 540 rpm, or nine rotations per second, when operating at full recommended speed. If a piece of a person’s clothing or a shoelace is caught in a PTO rotating at this speed, the person could be entangled around the shaft in less than a second. A smooth shaft can be an entanglement hazard because force from the rotating shaft may be adequate to hold clothes against the shaft. Because clothing is more likely to catch on an uneven surface, the hazard increases when the shaft is not round; when there is dirt or debris such as mud, rust, or manure on the shaft (as shown in the image above); or when the shaft is nicked. Clothing can also become snagged on universal joints, keys, and fastening devices.

Potential Injuries

Wrap point incidents can result in the following injuries:

  • Severe contusions
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Dislocations
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Scalping

Incidents can result in fatalities if injuries are sufficiently severe.

Safety Precautions

You can reduce the risk of a wrap point incident by taking the actions that follow:

  • Identify machines that may have wrap points.
  • Be aware that fatigue, carelessness, and haste contribute to entanglement incidents.
  • Make sure the PTO shaft, driveline, and universal joint are properly shielded and maintained.
  • Wear clothing that fits well because close-fitting clothing is less likely to be pulled into moving parts.
  • Remove all jewelry and tie back long hair or secure it under a hat when working near a machine that has a wrap point.
  • Before dismounting a tractor, always take the PTO out of gear and shut down the engine.
  • Turn off the machine and wait for rotating parts to come to a complete stop before starting any type of maintenance.
  • If a shield has been removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place prior to operating the equipment.
  • Replace damaged manufacturer-installed warning labels and place warning labels on unlabeled areas.
  • For better visibility of wrap point hazards, consider painting those areas a bright color to provide an additional alert to the hazard.
  • Choose equipment that is properly guarded rather than using older equipment that may lack guards such as PTO master shields.

Resources

Click here to view a video about wrap point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Wrap point. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66373/mechanical-hazards:-wrap-points.

 

Sources

 

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016). The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2009. ANSI/ASABE S604. Safety for power take-off (PTO), implement input drivelive (IID), implement input connection (IIC), and auxiliary power take-off (aux. PTO) for agricultural field equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2011. ANSI/ASABE AD500-1:2004. Agricultural tractors – Rear-mounted power take-off types 1,2 and 3 – Part 1: General specifications, safety requirements, dimensions for master shield and clearance zone. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

FARM-HAT. (2010). Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-agriculture-rural-management-hazard-analy….

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Safety note #11: Power take-off safety. (2004) University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1364.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Kerri Ebert, Kansas State University – kebert@k-state.edu
Jason Lamm, Donegal Insurance Group – jgl134@gmail.com
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Mechanical Hazards: Crush Points

Crush Hazard. Source: Virginia Tech.

(Photo Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Crush points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66323/mechanical-hazards:-crush-points.

A crush-point hazard exists when two objects move toward each other or when a moving object approaches a stationary object. The most common crush point agricultural producers encounter is the attachment of an implement to a tractor’s drawbar (shown above). The space between the tractor’s drawbar and the implement’s hitch decreases as the tractor moves toward the implement.

Additional crush-point hazards exist when equipment is raised or lowered with a three-point hitch and when components are moved by hydraulic cylinders. The area between a tractor loader bucket and a concrete wall is also a potential crush point. A crush-point incident can occur when a piece of equipment is not properly secured with blocks, allowing the equipment to roll.

Potential Injuries

Examples of nonfatal injuries associated with crush-point incidents include crushed tissue, cuts, and broken bones, typically in the extremities. Depending on the part of the body that is crushed, fatalities can also result from crush-point incidents.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of a crush-point incident.

  • Identify machines that may have crush points.
  • Do not allow anyone to stand or place any body parts in the space between two objects that form a crush point.
  • When hitching an implement, wait until the tractor has completely stopped before approaching the hitch point.
  • If possible, hitch a tractor and implement by backing the tractor into position without having a person positioned between the tractor and the implement.
  • As a backup in case of a mechanical failure such as a jack slipping or an overhead support breaking, use blocks to secure any equipment before working under it.
  • Block the wheels of an implement to prevent the implement from rolling.

Resources

Click here to view a video about crush-point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. (Note: When a piece of equipment comes into contact with a person or body part, that is also considered a crush point).

Click here to order a copy of the booklet Safe Implement Hitching: A Guide for Safe Connection of Agricultural Tractors to Implements from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Crush points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66323/mechanical-hazards:-crush-points.

 

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved by http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

 

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
S. Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University – jepsen.4@osu.edu
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
 
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Mechanical Hazards: Pull-in Points

Pull-in Hazard. Source: The Ohio State University

(Pull-in Point Hazard. Source: The Ohio State University)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Pull-in points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66322/mechanical-hazards:-pull-in-points.

 

A pull-in point hazard is typically associated with crops being fed into a harvesting machine. Harvesting machinery has rotating parts, such as feed rolls, that form pull-in points where they come together. Most pull-in incidents occur when a person attempts to remove material from a machine while the machine is still running—for example, pulling a corn stalk out of corn picker rolls—or to feed material manually into a machine such as a feed roller.

The following pieces of equipment have pull-in points:

  • Combine headers
  • Feed or bale chambers
  • Pull-behind corn pickers
  • Windrow pickups
  • Forage chopper headers
  • Grinders

Potential Injuries

Potential injuries that can result from getting caught in a pull-in point include amputation of extremities, crushed tissue, and broken bones. Severe incidents can be fatal.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of pull-in point incidents.

  • Identify machines that may have pull-in points.
  • Always shut off the engine and power source, including any power take-off (PTO), before attempting to clear any plugged areas or completing any repairs.
  • Remember that machines are always faster than people.

Resources

View video about pull-in point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Pull-in points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66322/mechanical-hazards:-pull-in-points.

 
 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Grisso, R., Stone, B., & Hetzel, G. (2009) Machinery safety on the farm. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-092/442-092_pdf.pdf.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
LaMar J. Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu
William C. Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University 9Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

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Mechanical Hazards: Burn Points

Massey Ferg Tractor Exhaust

(Source: Penn State Agricultural Safety & Health)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Burn points. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66316/mechanical-hazards:-burn-points.

 

Burn-point hazards are associated with tractors, self-propelled equipment, and pull-type machinery. These pieces of equipment have components that can cause burns when they contact skin. The most common activities that result in burn-point incidents include maintenance, inspection, fueling, and servicing of machines.

The following components and machinery elements can be burn points:

  • Mufflers
  • Manifolds
  • Engine blocks
  • Gear cases 
  • Pipes 
  • Hot fluids (fuel, oil, chemicals, and so on) 

Potential Injuries

Burns are the most obvious type of injury sustained due to burn-point hazards. However, additional injuries can occur if operators are startled by contact with burn points. For example, a producer might contact a hot muffler and fall back onto a toolbox, getting a back injury in addition to the burn.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of a burn-point incident.

  • Check machinery for burn points and avoid those areas.
  • Shut down the engine and allow time for fluids and parts to cool before completing any fueling, inspections, or maintenance.
  • Do not touch the engine or machine parts during an inspection.
  • Determine whether a part is hot by holding your hand near the surface of the part.
  • Wear leather gloves to protect your hands.

Resources

Click here to view a video about burn-point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Burn points. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66316/mechanical-hazards:-burn-points.

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Grisso, R., Stone, B., & Hetzel, G. (2009) Machinery safety on the farm. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-092/442-092_pdf.pdf.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
LaMar Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Mechanical Hazards: Thrown Objects

 

Bush Hog Mower

Bush Hog Mower. Photo Source: Penn State University

 

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Thrown objects. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66266/mechanical-hazards:-thrown-objects.

 

A thrown-object hazard is typically associated with equipment that mows, chops, or cuts crops in an open field, barnyard, or yard. Thrown-object hazards typically exist with pieces of equipment, such as rotary mowers, cutters, and shredders, that have rotating fans or knife blades. Machines that chop or grind feed can pose a hazard as well. Thrown-object incidents have also occurred with manure spreaders.

When equipment passes over pieces of metal or wire, sticks, rocks, and so on, the objects can become projectiles that fly a great distance with extreme force. An object can be thrown from the discharge chute of a rotary mower, for example, at speeds of up to 200 mph. 

Thrown objects can cause property damage and serious injury to people or animals in the vicinity. Potential injuries from thrown objects include contusions, abrasions, lacerations, bruises, and eye and head injuries.

Safety Precautions

Listed below are ways that you can reduce the risk of a thrown-object incident:

  • Identify those types of machines that may throw objects.
  • Make sure machine guards or shields are securely in place and properly maintained.
  • Make sure a machine and all its moving parts are completely stopped before nearing the discharge area.
  • Never point a mower discharge chute toward people, pets, homes, structures, streets, or vehicles.
  • Always wear eye protection when working with machinery that cuts, grinds, or chops material.
  • Be aware of the distance and direction of potential thrown objects.
  • When you are working with machinery that can throw objects, do not allow others in the area.

Resources

Click here to view a video about thrown objects from the Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Thrown objects. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66266/mechanical-hazards:-thrown-objects.

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2008. ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Liz Kenton, University of Vermont – ekenton@uvm.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Michael Pate, Pennsylvania State University – mlp79@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
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Mechanical Hazards: Freewheeling Parts

Free Wheeling Hazard

(Source: The Ohio State University Extension)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Freewheeling parts. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64419/mechanical-hazards:-freewheeling-parts.

 

Freewheeling parts are parts of a machine that continue to move even after power to the machine has been turned off. Freewheeling parts continue to move because some machines require large amounts of rotational energy to operate smoothly in varying conditions, and the freewheeling parts cannot come to an abrupt stop without the application of a braking system of some type. The heavier the rotating part, the faster and longer it will continue to rotate or move after the power is shut off.

Examples of freewheeling parts include:

  • flywheels on small square balers
  • rotary mower blades
  • cutter heads of forage harvesters
  • hammer mills of feed grinders
  • fans on silage blowers

Potential injuries from freewheeling parts include:

  • cuts
  • abrasions
  • bruises
  • entanglement
  • crushing
  • amputations

Safety Precautions When Working around Freewheeling Parts

You can reduce your risk of an incident by adhering to the following safety precautions:

  • Be aware of any freewheeling parts on your equipment and keep guards and shields in place.
  • Before carrying out any activity in proximity to a freewheeling part:
    • shut off the tractor,
    • disengage the power take-off (PTO), and
    • wait for the freewheeling part to come to a complete stop.
  • Never touch a freewheeling part while it is moving, even if it is moving very slowly.
  • Listen to the freewheeling part—most freewheeling parts make a whirring or humming sound when they are rotating.

Resources

View the video about freewheeling parts from the Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 
 
 

Use the following format to cite this article:

 

Mechanical hazards: Freewheeling parts. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64419/mechanical-hazards:-freewheeling-parts.

 

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Cyr, D. and Johnson, S. (n.d.) Dangers of agricultural machinery. Maine Farm Safety Program. Retrieved from http://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2316e/.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., and Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards: HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Glen Blahey, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association – GBlahey@casa-acsa.ca
Willard Downs, University of Missouri – Willard@missouri.edu
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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